A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

Birth defects can have a profound impact on your family. If a medical professional has committed error during your pregnancy that led to the condition of your child, you need to respond quickly.

A birth injury lawyer with experience can help you bring an action against the accountable parties. In the meantime you should begin collecting receipts, bills and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always clear. Some are caused by genetic problems, where genes aren't functioning properly or are missing completely (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They could also be caused by chromosomal issues in which one or more chromosomes are either too many or there are too few cells.

These issues are usually identified during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic fluid is collected and tested to find chromosomal abnormalities and genetic changes. In some instances doctors will not be able to identify the birth defect until a child is born or shows symptoms, for example, having an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.

In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues, birth defects can be caused by problems with the nervous system, brain, and musculoskeletal issues which affect joints, muscles, and bones. They can vary from mild to severe and affect a person's appearance or function, including their learning abilities mobility, strength and strength.

While some birth defects cannot be prevented, a number are. Couples who have the history of certain genetic disorders should consider testing for genetics before attempting to have a child. In addition avoidance of certain chemicals, drugs, infections and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of certain birth defects. Medical malpractice or negligence in the treatment of a pregnant woman may also contribute to birth defects. It's important to talk to an attorney for birth defects if you believe an error in your medical treatment may have caused your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are typically complex and require expert medical evidence. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and skilled can help you and your family get the amount of compensation you need to ensure your child's regular life.

Your lawyer will identify the birth defect of your child and link it with the medical professionals involved in the birth. They will also be required to identify the date when the birth defect was discovered. This information is crucial because it will inform you how long you have to wait before the statute of limitations expires and you can file your claim.

It is also important for your attorney to have access to your medical records as well as any other documents you might have related to the birth defect of your child for example, receipts, bills and credit card transactions. This will help your attorney prove the extent of your child's injuries as well as determine the types of compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors like genetic conditions chemical or medication or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or any other type of negligence. Medical malpractice claims are only valid when a medical professional is not performing his duty to care and this negligence causes a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are atypical conditions that can develop in a child's body after birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explain that these birth defects can affect any part of the body and range from mild to life-threatening.

Often, these issues are the result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. In certain instances medical malpractice may be the reason for the child's condition. A skilled Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist parents discover the root of their child's ailment and take legal action.

Drugs can cause grave birth defects in the foetus. These substances are called teratogens and include both prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide is one example. It was once a commonly used sleep aid and pregnancy anti-nausea medication but proved to be one of the most devastating drug-related birth defects in history. It caused the development of limbs, mental and physical impairments and other physical impairments.

Doctors are required to consider the potential dangers of certain medications when prescribing them to pregnant women. If they fail to take this step they are guilty of malpractice. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical firms have a duty to warn women about the risks of using their products.

Toxic Exposure

While many birth defects are the result of an unfortunate genetic anomaly that could not have been prevented, some of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medications that pregnant women take, in environmental contaminants in the home or at work as well as in toxic chemical agents at work. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They are known to can cause severe birth defects, such as spina bifida and developmental delays and skeletal deformities as well as brain damage, muscular dystrophy, low birth weight, deformities in the limbs, as well as heart issues.

Certain toxins, like arsenic and cadmium are found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a common contaminants that can be found in paints for homes and art materials plastics, cosmetics, and other materials. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, including selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been proven to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defects can assist parents determine if a certain drug or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these cases our lawyers could pursue a product liability lawsuit against a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer who developed and manufactured dangerous chemicals or medications. We can also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.